What is Disabled Students' Allowance

Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) is a non-means tested allowance that disabled students who are either already on, or moving towards studying on, a higher education course can apply for.

The allowance covers any additional study-related costs that students will incur because of their disability. DSA is available to both new and existing students, full-time and part-time, and has no age limit.

Who is my funding body?

You will need to apply for DSA through the funding body that is providing your tuition fees, loan or bursary. Your funding body depends on when you joined your course and what course you are studying. It is usually Student Finance England, NHS Students Grant or local education authorities.

Am I eligible for DSA?

To ensure that you are able to receive support from DSA, you must first contact your funding body to confirm that you are eligible to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for DSA if you are

• studying on an eligible undergraduate full-time or part-time course, including distance learning
• studying on a PGCE course. Students on PGCE courses are eligible for undergraduate DSA not postgraduate DSA
• studying on a part-time course of initial teacher training (ITT). For further information please contact your funding body
• studying on a recognised taught and research postgraduate course. The course should be equivalent to one which could be eligible for awards from the Research Councils. This course should last at least one year if full-time and more than one year if part-time

Part-time students on degree and sub-degree higher education courses studying the equivalent of at least 50 per cent of a full-time course may be eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). The yearly maximum amount will be on a pro rata basis.

Not Eligible for Disabled Students' Allowance

You are not eligible for DSA if you attend an eligible course but you are

• an EU student and are eligible only for support with your fees
• a sandwich course student currently undertaking a full-year paid placement (You may be able to get help from Access to Work)
• an international student

You cannot have DSAs for more than one course at the same time.

If you fall into any one of these categories please contact the Disability support team on 0114 225 3964 or email disability-support@shu.ac.uk to discuss your support options.

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